Scotland and the Tory Brexit election

Steve Freeman and Julie Morrow write: The general election is an opportunity for the working class in Scotland to build a stronger and more militant opposition to Tory Brexit and all anti-working class austerity policies whether from Tory or SNP governments. It is an opportunity to organise a stronger democratic movement against the Union, including preparing for a referendum on self determination, seeking closer unity with the anti-Unionist workers in England and more broadly with the European working class.

Left Unity will not stand candidates in the 2017 general election in Scotland. We would support any Rise or Scottish Socialist Party candidates because their policies are closest to our own. [None are standing]

Left Unity is clear in its commitment to socialism and will use the election to advance the following policies aimed to strengthen the working class internationally – opposition to austerity, imperialist wars, Trident, NATO, TTIP; anti-Unionism and support for the right to self determination, republican democracy, migrant rights and Pan European socialist organisation.

In Scotland the central question in opposing anti-working class Tory Brexit is the right of the Scottish people to remain in the EU and the right of the Scottish people to be able to hold a referendum on self determination at a time of their choosing.

On the 28 March the Scottish Parliament voted to hold a referendum. In the event of a Tory victory, Scotland will become a key battle ground. The Tories will strengthen their grip on Scotland by undermining the existing Devolution settlement, forcing Scotland to leave the EU and denying Scottish self determination.

Left Unity in England and Wales is supporting Jeremy Corbyn. However we recognise that politics in Scotland has been changed by the 2014 referendum. The Labour Party must be openly criticised for supporting the Union, refusing to pledge support for the right of the Scottish people to remain in the EU, and failing to support the right of the Scottish people to hold a referendum. In opposing Scotland’s democratic movement Labour is acting as an accomplice of the Tories.

Left Unity would welcome the defeat of the Tories from every seat in Scotland. We will oppose Unionist candidates (UKIP, Tory, Liberal Democrat and Labour) and support anti-Unionist candidates. Whilst we recognise that some socialists in Scotland will support Labour, we believe that the future for working people in Scotland depends upon fighting austerity and winning a successful struggle for democracy and self determination.

In summary Left Unity’s policy in Scotland at this election is based on total opposition to the Tories and their anti-working class Brexit policies, opposition to all Unionist parties in Scotland.

Left Unity members in Scotland were consulted on this position paper

7 June 2017

Left Unity is active in movements and campaigns across the left, working to create an alternative to the main political parties.